Job Discussion Forums

[Tarheel 13]

I am always following the Forums and Blogs on Mexico. While I haven't worked in Mexico, I have taught for the previous two years some of the finest people I know (most Hispanic Mexicans) from the southern extremes of Mexico. These people are my friends. They have values and morals that make me smile when I think about them now. Yes, they were always telling me that they'd be on time for my next class, and they'd amble in 20 minutes late with a small of their faces. Who could be upset with them? I couldn't

These days I'm teaching an extensive business English program in Wuhan, China, involving the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). It's very structured and professional, and I really like and care for the young adults I teach. However, that being said, I'm continually thinking about my Mexican students and friends home in North Carolina. I have a contract in January, 2008, to again teach them during the evening hours, after they have put in long work days on the local farms, factories and construction sites. I can't wait, to tell you the truth.

I had a great offer earlier this year to teach in Oaxaca at the university level, and the only reason I couldn't accept it was that I couldn't afford to be out of the USA for more than 180 days. (I'm a Canadian waiting for my Green Card to arrive in America, and the rules state that you must not be out of country for any longer than six months.) So, these days I'm enjoying China on a one-semester teaching assignment, but my heart is still with my Mexican students. Who knows, maybe next year I'll have an opportunity to make a contribution and enjoy these wonderful people on a more permanent basis in home country. Nice thread, btw.

[Phil_K]

It's true there are some wonderful people in Mexico, that are always willing to help you. Certainly I have made more friends in Mexico that in all my life in England, where people tend to be a little self-centered and cold (really!). I suppose the thing which gets under some foreigners skin is the paradoxical side of Mexicans in general. At once polite ("con permiso" in the elevator!) and sometimes rude (queue jumpers). Or is it the same everywhere? Or is it just us, judging people by our own culture?